Important Update on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

On Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule. However, the court maintained a partial stay of the order for "all DACA recipients who received their initial DACA status prior to July 16, 2021." See the Memorandum and Order (PDF, 1.35 MB) and <a data-entity-substitution="me

Visa Bulletin November 2023 Predictions

For official October 2023 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-october-2023.aspx

Please see November 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR15	08MAR15	08MAR15	08MAY01	22APR12
F2A	01MAR19	01MAR19	01MAR19	01MAR19	01MAR19
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	22JAN02	01DEC11
F3	22JAN09	22JAN09	22JAN09	15MAR98	01JUL02
F4	15MAY07	15MAY07	01NOV05	22AUG00	22SEP02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08OCT17	08OCT17	08OCT17	15JUN05	08JUN15
F2A	22SEP23	22SEP23	22SEP23	01OCT23	22SEP23
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22OCT04	08NOV13
F3	08MAR10	08MAR10	08MAR10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	08MAR08	08MAR08	15MAR06	08MAY01	22MAY04

DHS Issues Proposed Rule to Modernize H-2 Temporary Visa Programs and Strengthen Worker Protections

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took steps to strengthen protections for temporary workers through the H-2A temporary agricultural and the H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker programs (H-2 programs). In a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published today, DHS proposed modernizing and improving the H-2 programs by providing greater flexibility and protections for participating workers, and improving the program's efficiency. This would include strengthening protections for workers from exploitative conduct by employers, including the addition of whistleblower protections.

"For years, H-2A and H-2B temporary worker visa recipients have been essential to our seasonal and

USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by Welcoming More Than 6,900 New Citizens

Weeklong celebration highlights naturalization ceremonies and new initiatives

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by welcoming more than 6,900 new citizens in over 130 naturalization ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 17 and Sept. 22.

"USCIS will continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission to uphold America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "We believe that promoting citizenship and encouraging eligible immigrants to naturalize and fully participate in our democracy is a cornerstone of the agency's work and illustrates the spirit of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day through a focus on the rights, respon

USCIS Clarifies Guidance for EB-1 Eligibility Criteria

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing policy guidance in our Policy Manual to clarify the types of evidence that we may evaluate to determine eligibility for extraordinary ability (E11) and outstanding professor or researcher (E12) EB-1 immigrant visa classifications.

The update adds clarifying guidance describing examples of evidence that may satisfy the relevant evidentiary criteria or qualify as comparable evidence, as well as considerations for evaluating such evidence, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields.

The new guidance provides more clarity and transparency

October 2023 Visa Bulletin

For September 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-september-2023.aspx

For analysis of October 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-analysis-october-2023.aspx

October 2023 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from October 1 to October 31 only). Please see below for more details.

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01JAN15	01JAN15	01JAN15	22APR01	01MAR12
F2A	08FEB19	08FEB19	08FEB19	01FEB19	08FEB19
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01JAN02	22OCT11
F3	08JAN09	08JAN09	08JAN09	08MAR98	08JUN02
F4	22APR07	22APR07	08OCT05	01AUG00	22AUG02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR05	22APR15
F2A	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01AUG04	01OCT13
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	22FEB06	15APR01	22APR04

October 2023 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For October 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-october-2023.aspx

Please see below analysis of October 2023 Visa Bulletin:

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	+1 Year 1 Month 7 Days	+1 Year 1 Month 7 Days	+1 Year 1 Month 7 Days	+2 Years 5 Months	+1 Year 1 Month 7 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+5 Months	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	+1 Month 24 Days	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	+23 Days	No Change	No Change

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

Affirmative Asylum Applicants Must Provide Interpreters Starting Sept. 13

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds affirmative asylum applicants that, starting Sept. 13, 2023, you must bring an interpreter to your asylum interview if you are not fluent in English or wish to proceed with your interview in a language other than English.

If you need an interpreter and do not bring one, or if your interpreter is not fluent in English and a language you speak, and you do not establish good cause, we may consider this a failure to appear for your interview and we may dismiss your asylum application or refer your asylum application to an immigration judge. We will determine good cause on a case-by-case-basis.

The interpreter must be fluent in English and a language you speak fluently and must be at least 18 years old. The interpreter must not be:

• Your attorney or accredited representative;
• A witness testifying on you

DHS Extends TPS Re-registration Periods for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan to 18 Months

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending from 60 days to 18 months the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. 

The 18-month re-registration period under the designation of: 

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Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for South Sudan

Redesignation Allows Additional Eligible South Sudanese Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from November 4, 2023, through May 3, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in South Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register as a new or current beneficiary for TPS under South Sudan's extension and redesignation. Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is South Sudan so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased

USCIS Updates Voter Registration Guidance for Naturalization Ceremonies

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in our Policy Manual to provide clarification on voter registration access at our administrative naturalization ceremonies.

The updated guidance:

• Affirms that USCIS provides access to voter registration services at each administrative naturalization ceremony, including information regarding points-of-contact for voting and voter registration;
• Provides that USCIS offices request that election officials from state or local government election offices attend ceremonies to distribute, collect, and review voter registration applications, and to officially register new citizens to vote;
• Affirms that USCIS offices coordinate with non-partisan, non-governmental organizations for voter registration services when state and loca

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act

We are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how we will apply the extraordinary circumstances exception to the "sought to acquire" requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) in light of a Feb. 14, 2023, policy change. This update (PDF, 331.87 KB):

• Explains that we consider the Feb. 14 policy change to be an extraordinary circumstance that may excuse an applicant's failure to meet the sought to acquire requirement;
• Clarifies that we may excuse an applicant's failure to meet the sought to acquire requirement if they did not

USCIS Launches Online Appointment Request Form

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center.

This online appointment request form allows individuals or legal representatives to request an in-person appointment at a field office only, for ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, Immigration Judge Grants, and more. It is not a self-scheduling tool and individuals cannot schedule their own appointments with USCIS. The USCIS Contact Center will review submitted forms and the availability of in-person appointments at a specific field office. Individuals may request a specific date and time for an in-person appointment, but USCIS cannot guarantee that the requested appointm

Visa Bulletin October 2023 Predictions

For official September 2023 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-september-2023.aspx

Please see October 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR15	08MAR15	08MAR15	01JUN01	22APR12
F2A	22JAN18	22JAN18	22JAN18	01OCT16	22JAN18
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	15AUG01	01DEC11
F3	22JAN09	22JAN09	22JAN09	22JAN98	01JUL02
F4	15MAY07	15MAY07	08OCT05	22AUG00	22SEP02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08OCT17	08OCT17	08OCT17	22JUL05	08JUN15
F2A	22SEP23	22SEP23	22SEP23	01OCT23	22SEP23
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	08NOV04	08NOV13
F3	08MAR10	08MAR10	08MAR10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	08MAR08	08MAR08	15MAR06	08MAY01	22MAY04

Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Sudan

Redesignation Enables Additional Eligible Sudanese Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that prevent individuals from safely returning. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of TPS for Sudan for the same reason, allowing Sudanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan) residing in the United States as of August 16, 2023 to be eligible for TPS. Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Sudan so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased

Secretary Mayorkas Extends and Redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine

Redesignation Enables Additional Eligible Ukrainian Nationals to Apply for TPS and Employment Authorization Documents

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months, from October 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent individuals from safely returning. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of TPS for Ukraine for the same reason, allowing Ukrainian nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine) residing in the United States as of August 16, 2023, to be eligible for TPS. Accompanying this announcement is a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship

USCIS Reopens Field Office in Havana, Cuba

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will reopen an international field office in Havana, Cuba. The new office will assist with U.S. immigration casework and benefits, including interviews and processing of pending Cuban Family Reunification Parole cases and Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.

The USCIS Havana Field Office will also provide other limited services, which may include refugee processing and collecting biometrics for U visa petitions. Services at the Havana Field Office will be available only by appointment. We will update the USCIS International Immigration Offices page in the coming weeks with more information about services and appoin

DHS Reopens USCIS Field Office in Havana, Cuba

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced the reopening of an international field office in Havana, Cuba. The Havana office will assist with U.S. immigration benefits and services, including conducting interviews and processing cases for pending Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) cases and Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petitions.

"This administration is taking steps to reduce unlawful entries, deny resources to ruthless smuggling organizations, and streamline access to lawful, safe, and orderly pathways for those seeking humanitarian relief. Reopening the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Ser

DHS Modernizes Cuban and Haitian Family Reunification Parole Processes

Most steps will be completed online, making the process more efficient

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today published Federal Register notices that will update and modernize the Cuban and Haitian family reunification parole (FRP) processes, reflecting extensive feedback from stakeholders on these important programs. With the modernization of these processes, petitioners will be able to complete most of the FRP process on a secure online platform, eliminating the burden of travel, time, and paperwork and increasing access to participation. The process is still available on an invitation-only basis.

The Cuban family reunification parole (CFRP) and Haitian family reunification parole (HFRP) processes promote family unity, and updates were first previewed as part of the comprehensive measures <a target='_blank' href="https://www.dhs.gov/new

September 2023 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For September 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-september-2023.aspx

Please see below analysis of September 2023 Visa Bulletin:

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	+2 Months 24 Days	+2 Months 24 Days	+2 Months 24 Days	No Change	+2 Months 24 Days
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month	+1 Month
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

September 2023 Visa Bulletin

For August 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-august-2023.aspx

For analysis of September 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-analysis-september-2023.aspx

September 2023 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from September 1 to September 30 only). Please see below for more details.

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01JAN15	01JAN15	01JAN15	22APR01	01MAR12
F2A	01JAN18	01JAN18	01JAN18	01SEP16	01JAN18
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01AUG01	22OCT11
F3	08JAN09	08JAN09	08JAN09	15JAN98	08JUN02
F4	22APR07	22APR07	15SEP05	01AUG00	22AUG02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR05	22APR15
F2A	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23	01SEP23
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01AUG04	01OCT13
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	22FEB06	15APR01	22APR04

USCIS Updates Receipts Process for Form I-129S

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced changes to the way we issue receipts for L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees (executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals) under a previously approved blanket L petition.

When filing Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, together with Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, the petitioner will now receive two notices: the receipt notice and the approval notice (if approved). Petitioners will no longer receive a stamped and signed Form I-129S in conjunction with the Form I-129 approval. Instead, the petitioner will receive a separate approval notice for the Form I-129S, which serves as the endorsement.

This approval notice will serve as evidence that a USCIS officer has determined the beneficiary is eligible for L-1 status based on an approved blank

DHS Issues Guidance for Stateless Noncitizens in the United States

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), today issued new guidance to assist stateless noncitizens in the United States who wish to obtain immigration benefits or have submitted other requests to USCIS. Stateless individuals are those who are not legally considered a citizen of any country, and therefore may be denied legal identity, and struggle to access education, healthcare, marriage, and job opportunities. Individuals can be born stateless or become stateless because of discrimination, war and conflict, or changing borders and laws. The new guidance clarifies when and how USCIS may consider a noncitizen stateless for the purpose of adjudicating immigration benefits or other requests.

"All over the world, people who are stateless live with fear and uncertainty. DHS is fully committed

Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations Complete for FY 2024 H-1B Cap

USCIS recently announced that we would need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations. We now have randomly selected, from the remaining FY 2024 registrations properly submitted, a sufficient number of registrations projected as needed to reach the cap, and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations from this round of selection that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration.

Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, a

Invitations to be Issued for Family Reunification Parole Process

The Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) will begin issuing invitations under the family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on July 31, 2023.

On July 7, 2023, DHS announced implementation of new FRP processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The FRP processes are available by invitation only to certain petitioners whose <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c5e56d90-76ee-4108-be71-58e7e465e312" href="https://

USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registrations

In March 2023, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The initial filing period for those with selected registrations for FY 2024 was from April 1, 2023, through June 30, 2023.

We recently determined that we would need to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2024 numerical allocations. Soon, we will select additional registrations from previously submitted electronic registrations

Visa Bulletin September 2023 Predictions

For official August 2023 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-august-2023.aspx

Please see September 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08MAR15	08MAR15	08MAR15	01JUN01	22APR12
F2A	01NOV17	01NOV17	01NOV17	01OCT16	01NOV17
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	15AUG01	01DEC11
F3	22JAN09	22JAN09	22JAN09	22JAN98	01JUL02
F4	15MAY07	15MAY07	08OCT05	22AUG00	22SEP02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08OCT17	08OCT17	08OCT17	22JUL05	08JUN15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	08NOV04	08NOV13
F3	08MAR10	08MAR10	08MAR10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	08MAR08	08MAR08	15MAR06	08MAY01	22MAY04

USCIS To Publish Revised Form I-9

On Aug. 1, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (PDF, 899.28 KB). Among the improvements to the form is a checkbox employers enrolled in E-Verify can use to indicate they remotely examined identity and employment authorization documents under an alternative procedure authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described below.

On July 21, 2023, DHS announced a final rule in the Federal Register that re

USCIS Updates Policy Manual to Make It Easier to Identify Who Is Subject to the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility

We have incorporated important information regarding the categories of adjustment of status applicants to whom the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies from the appendices in Volume 8, Part G, of the USCIS Policy Manual, to Chapter 3, Applicability, to make it easier to identify whether the public charge ground of inadmissibility applies to a specific adjustment of status category. 

This update is intended to help applicants respond accurately to questions related to the public charge ground of inadmissibility on Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, which will provide officers with the information they need to adjudicate an application for

USCIS Updates Visa Availability Approach for Managing Form I-526 Petition Inventory

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it would update its visa availability approach for managing the inventory of Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Investor, to promote greater efficiency.

USCIS will update its approach by grouping petitions with filing dates on or before Nov. 30, 2019, by new commercial enterprise within the queue of petitions where the project has been reviewed and there is a visa available or a visa will soon be available. This approach will enable USCIS to gain greater processing efficiencies and reduce backlogs. Assigning multiple petitions associated with the same new commercial enterprise to the same adjudicator(s) will allow adjudicators to process them more efficiently.

USCIS is issuing this alert and updating its approach based on factors specific to the Form I-526 petition inventory, includ

August 2023 Visa Bulletin

For July 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-july-2023.aspx

For analysis of August 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-analysis-august-2023.aspx

August 2023 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from August 1 to August 31 only). Please see below for more details.

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01JAN15	01JAN15	01JAN15	22APR01	01MAR12
F2A	08OCT17	08OCT17	08OCT17	01SEP16	08OCT17
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01AUG01	22OCT11
F3	08JAN09	08JAN09	08JAN09	15JAN98	08JUN02
F4	22APR07	22APR07	15SEP05	01AUG00	22AUG02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01APR05	22APR15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01AUG04	01OCT13
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	22FEB06	15APR01	22APR04

August 2023 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For August 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-august-2023.aspx

Please see below analysis of August 2023 Visa Bulletin:

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	+17 Days	+17 Days	+17 Days	No Change	No Change
F2A	-2 Years 11 Months	-2 Years 11 Months	-2 Years 11 Months	-2 Years 2 Months	-2 Years 11 Months
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	+17 Days	+17 Days	+17 Days	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	+2 Years 3 Months	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+2 Years 4 Months	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

USCIS Expands myProgress to Form I-765 and Form I-131

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that we are expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

myProgress provides applicants with access, in their online account, to personalized estimates of their wait time for major milestones on their case, including their final case decision. While estimates are based on historical patterns of cases with similar specifics, they are not a guarantee of speed, cannot take into con

DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

Biden-Harris Administration continues strategy to provide lawful pathways and reduce dangerous irregular migration

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the implementation of new family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration's successful combination of expanded lawful pathways and strengthened enforcement to reduce irregular migration. The FRP processes promote family unity and are part of the comprehensive measures announced in April by DHS and the Department of State.

The new processes are for nationals from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, a

USCIS Launches Online Rescheduling of Biometrics Appointments

New tool provides option to reschedule a biometric services appointment online without calling the USCIS Contact Center

WASHINGTON—On June 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment.

Introducing this tool is another way USCIS is improving customer service. By removing barriers and reducing burdens to applicants, USCIS is demonstrating the agency's commitment to advancing the goals of Executive Order on Transfor

USCIS Celebrates Independence Day 2023 and Continues its Commitment to Naturalization

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will celebrate Independence Day this year by welcoming more than 5,500 new citizens in more than 180 naturalization ceremonies between June 30 and July 7. These ceremonies demonstrate our commitment to welcoming immigrants and promoting the benefits of U.S. citizenship for all who are eligible. In fiscal year (FY) 2022, USCIS welcomed 974,000 new U.S. citizens. So far in FY 2023, USCIS has welcomed 588,900 new U.S. citizens as of June 7 and made significant progress in reducing our naturalization pending queues.

"Promoting citizenship and making the naturalization process accessible to all who are eligible are a beautiful extension of many ideals that birthed our nation 247 years ago," said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. "This holiday is always a special opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the USCIS mis

Visa Bulletin August 2023 Predictions

For official July 2023 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-july-2023.aspx

Please see August 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	15FEB15	15FEB15	15FEB15	01JUN01	22APR12
F2A	01OCT20	01OCT20	01OCT20	01DEC18	01OCT20
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	15AUG01	01DEC11
F3	08JAN09	08JAN09	08JAN09	22JAN98	01JUL02
F4	15MAY07	15MAY07	08OCT05	22AUG00	22SEP02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	08OCT17	08OCT17	08OCT17	08FEB03	08JUN15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	15FEB17	15FEB17	15FEB17	22APR02	08NOV13
F3	08MAR10	08MAR10	08MAR10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	08MAR08	08MAR08	15MAR06	08MAY01	22MAY04

Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua Reinstated and Extended for 18 Months

Current Beneficiaries Must Re-register to Maintain Their Status After June 30, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today posted Federal Register notices extending the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations of El Salvador, Honduras, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-13019/temporary-protected-status-reconsideration-and-rescission-of-termination-of-the-designation-of-nep

USCIS Provides Guidance on Employment Authorization Documents Based on Compelling Circumstances

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today released policy guidance on the eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) in compelling circumstances based on existing regulatory requirements at 8 CFR 204.5(p).

For an applicant to be eligible for an initial EAD based on compelling circumstances, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The principal applicant is the principal beneficiary of an approved Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, in either the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd employment-based preference category;
• The principal applicant is in valid E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, O-1, or L-1 nonimmigrant status or authorized grace period when they file the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization;
• The principal applicant has not filed an adjustment of status applica

DHS Rescinds Prior Administration’s Termination of Temporary Protected Status Designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua

Decision Extends TPS Designations for 18 Months for Current Beneficiaries

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rescission of the prior Administration's terminations of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua and the extension of TPS for these for countries for 18 months. Today's actions are relevant to the litigation challenging the now-rescinded terminations. As always, DHS closely monitors conditions around the world to assess whether new TPS designations are warranted.

"Through the extension of Temporary Protected Status, we are able to offer continued safety and protection to current beneficiaries who are nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua who are already present in the United States and cannot re

USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be available for these applicants.

The premium processing expansion for certain Form I-539 applicants will occur in phases, and nonimmigrants requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:

• Beginning June 13, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, file

USCIS Announces Expansion of Citizenship and Integration Grant Program and the Opening of the Grant Application Period

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program, which provides funding for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. The program, now open for applications, will provide up to $25 million in grants to prepare immigrants for naturalization and promote civic integration through increased knowledge of English, U.S. history, and civics. In addition to the traditional programs that fund citizenship and English classes, the 2023 grants also include opportunities for creative and innovative approaches to preparing immigrants fo

Certain Individuals Requesting Parole Can Now File Form I-131 Online

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that certain individuals requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, online.  

The following individuals are eligible to file Form I-131 online:

• Individuals requesting parole based on urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for an individual outside the United States (under application types 1.e. or 1.f. on the paper Form I-131), who are not seeking initial parole under a USCIS family reunification parole process (i.e., Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program, <a target='_blank' href="https://www.usci

Applications for Re-Parole and Work Authorization Renewal Are Fee-Exempt for Certain Afghan Nationals

Effective June 9, 2023, through July 31, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will consider, on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, a two-year extension of the original parole period for Afghan parolees who have already applied for asylum or for adjustment to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (such as adjustment of status as a special immigrant). This is in recognition of the continued urgent humanitarian reasons and significant public benefit underlying the original parole grant and the time necessary for Afghan parolees to accomplish the purpose of their parole and regularize their immigration status. These Afghan parolees who have already applied for asylum or LPR status do not need to apply for re-parole. If approved, USCIS will extend their original employment authorization and send a Form I-797C, Notice of Additiona

Certain Afghan Parolees Are Employment Authorized Incident to Parole

Effective June 8, 2023, certain additional Afghan parolees are employment authorized incident to parole. This updated guidance applies to certain Afghan parolees whose unexpired Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, contains a class of admission of "PAR" and indicates Afghanistan as the country of citizenship on the document, if their parole has not been terminated. These parolees are also exempt from fees to apply for an initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or to replace an initial EAD.  

As a matter of policy, USCIS is providing certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees with the benefit of employment authorization incident to parole, as we typically provide refugees incident to status, and a no-fee initial EAD (and replacement of an initial EAD). Providing these parolees similar treatment to refugees aligns with the spirit of legislation that states that parolees cover

July 2023 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For July 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-july-2023.aspx

Please see below analysis of July 2023 Visa Bulletin:

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	+21 Days	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+2 Months	No Change
F3	+14 Days	+14 Days	+14 Days	+2 Months 14 Days	No Change
F4	+14 Days	+14 Days	No Change	No Change	No Change

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	+8 Months	+8 Months	+8 Months	+1 Month	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	+3 Months	No Change
F3	+21 Days	+21 Days	+21 Days	No Change	No Change
F4	+1 Month	+1 Month	No Change	+14 Days	No Change

July 2023 Visa Bulletin

For June 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-june-2023.aspx

For analysis of July 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-analysis-july-2023.aspx

July 2023 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from July 1 to July 31 only). Please see below for more details.

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	15DEC14	15DEC14	15DEC14	22APR01	01MAR12
F2A	08SEP20	08SEP20	08SEP20	01NOV18	08SEP20
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01AUG01	22OCT11
F3	22DEC08	22DEC08	22DEC08	15JAN98	08JUN02
F4	22APR07	22APR07	15SEP05	01AUG00	22AUG02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01SEP17	01SEP17	01SEP17	01JAN03	22APR15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01APR02	01OCT13
F3	01MAR10	01MAR10	01MAR10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01MAR08	01MAR08	22FEB06	15APR01	22APR04

Lockbox Filing Location Updates Webpage Expanded to Include Service Center Filing Location Updates

USCIS has updated the Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on our website to now include service center filing location updates as well: Lockbox and Service Center Filing Location Updates. You can now keep track of filing location changes between the lockboxes or service centers on this page.

We sometimes change or adjust filing locations among our service centers or lockbox facilities to balance our incoming workload for timely processing. We may also refine filing addresses to improve internal processes at our service centers or lockbox facilities. Please note that the new filing location may not be where your case is adjudicated.

In the past, we issued a web a

USCIS Changes Filing Location and Documentation Requirements for Certain Affirmative Asylum Applications Using Form I-589

Effective today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for certain affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail. We expect this change to help streamline asylum processing and improve adjudication efficiency by digitizing paper filings. You should now mail your Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, to the lockbox that has jurisdiction over your place of residence, instead of to the service center.

See the "Where to File" section of the Form I-589 webpage to learn where to file yo

Visa Bulletin July 2023 Predictions

For official June 2023 Visa Bulletin & Analysis, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-june-2023.aspx

Please see July 2023 Visa Bulletin Predictions below (for both Family Based and Employment Based categories for all countries):

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	15FEB15	15FEB15	15FEB15	08MAY01	22APR12
F2A	01OCT20	01OCT20	01OCT20	01DEC18	01OCT20
F2B	01NOV15	01NOV15	01NOV15	15JUN01	01DEC11
F3	22DEC08	22DEC08	22DEC08	08NOV97	01JUL02
F4	01MAY07	01MAY07	08OCT05	22AUG00	22SEP02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	15JAN17	15JAN17	15JAN17	01JAN03	08JUN15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	08JAN17	08JAN17	08JAN17	15JAN02	08NOV13
F3	22FEB10	22FEB10	22FEB10	22JUN01	01DEC03
F4	08FEB08	08FEB08	15MAR06	22APR01	22MAY04

USCIS Updates Review Process for the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans

The U.S. government is granting advance travel authorization for up to 30,000 noncitizens each month to come to the United States to seek parole on a case-by-case basis under the processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Due to high interest in these processes, USCIS is updating the review process effective May 17, 2023.

We are updating the review process because the number of supporters who have submitted Form I-134A, Online Request to be a Supporter and Declaration of Financial Support, is significantly higher than the 30,000 monthly travel au

June 2023 Visa Bulletin

For May 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-may-2023.aspx

For analysis of June 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-analysis-june-2023.aspx

June 2023 Visa Bulletin has been officially released (valid from June 1 to June 30 only). Please see below for more details.

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	15DEC14	15DEC14	15DEC14	01APR01	01MAR12
F2A	08SEP20	08SEP20	08SEP20	01NOV18	08SEP20
F2B	22SEP15	22SEP15	22SEP15	01JUN01	22OCT11
F3	08DEC08	08DEC08	08DEC08	01NOV97	08JUN02
F4	08APR07	08APR07	15SEP05	01AUG00	22AUG02

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability  Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA- mainland  born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01DEC02	22APR15
F2A	C	C	C	C	C
F2B	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN17	01JAN02	01OCT13
F3	08FEB10	08FEB10	08FEB10	15JUN01	08NOV03
F4	01FEB08	01FEB08	22FEB06	01APR01	22APR04

June 2023 Visa Bulletin Analysis

For June 2023 Visa Bulletin, please click here: https://www.mygcvisa.com/visa-bulletin/2023/visa-bulletin-june-2023.aspx

Please see below analysis of June 2023 Visa Bulletin:

Family Based:

Final Action Dates

Dates For Filing Applications

"Final Action Date" is the date when when USCIS/DOS may render their final decision on submitted applications. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change

"Date for Filing Application" is the date when you can submit I-485/NVC applications to USCIS/DOS. Your priority date should be before this date.

Family- Sponsored	All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed	CHINA-mainland born	INDIA	MEXICO	PHILIPPINES
F1	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2A	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F2B	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F3	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change
F4	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change	No Change